WASHINGTON — Reginald S. “Pa” Gracie, 62, died peacefully at his home Jan. 26, 2014, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hope Aug. 4, 1951, he was the son of Stanley and Lottie Whitney Gracie. Educated locally, he was a 1969 graduate of Medomak Valley High School.

Following graduation, Reggie enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving overseas during the Vietnam War era.

Returning to the states, he started his own janitorial service, which served businesses throughout New England. Later Reggie became a residential counselor, working for Harbor Schools in Rockport. His family said he had a great relationship with the students there, earning their respect by giving them his.

On Sept. 30, 2006, Reggie married Flame Kaler. Together they have made their home in Washington.

An avid outdoorsmen and hunter, Pa looked forward to hunting season and annual hunts with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Target shooting and four-wheeling were also favorite pastimes.

Pa will be remembered for his sense of humor, and he was known for his practical jokes. He loved to keep everyone on edge wondering what his next joke would be.

Family was his number one priority, and he loved spending time with them. He was a kid at heart and loved taking them to fairs all across Maine.

He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Christine, in 1973; and his parents, Stanley and Lottie Gracie. Reggie will be sadly missed by his wife, Flame, of Washington; his sons, Reginald Gracie Jr. and his wife, Christine, of Bowdoin and Christopher Gracie and his wife, Cristine, of Union; his daughters, Sally Reed and her husband, Travis, of Waldoboro, Debbie Tyler and her husband, Peter, of Rockland and Dawne Southworth and her husband, Duane, of Liberty; three siblings, Sylvia Luce and her husband, Dennis, of Sidney, Stephen Gracie and his companion, Debbie, of Damariscotta and Jeffery Gracie and his wife, Becky, of Washington; seven grandchildren, Brittini, Hayden, Sarah, Trey, Alden, Isabelle and Baby Southworth expected in September of this year; a close friend, Willard Pierpont, who Pa thought of as a son; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Pa's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland.